Cranbourne trainer Robbie Laing will set Testa Rossa (Perugino – Bo Dapper, by Sir Dapper) colt Subiaso (Testa Rossa – Crocodiva, by Carnegie) on a Derby mission after his narrow win in the Sportingbet Park Handicap (1600m) at Sandown.

Subiaso had little luck in Victoria Derby campaign in the spring after he was blocked for a run in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield before having excuses for his midfield effort in the Victoria Derby.

“We were very confident going into the Derby with him and Stevie (Arnold) gave him a pearler of a ride, sitting fourth behind the three tear away leaders,” Laing said.

“I thought after his Norman Robinson run ‘well, we’re going to win the Derby.

“But, he may have over-travelled and got his tongue over the bit because he was very disappointing in the run home in the Derby. He was gone on the turn.”

However, Laing said Subiaso could head to either the ATC Australian Derby or the South Australian Derby in the autumn with the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) also on the agenda for the $65,000 Magic Millions purchase.

First Light Racing will be watching Subiaso’s progress closely as it purchased a half-brother to the colt by Postponed (Summer Squall – Bridal Tea, by Gulch) at the recent NZB Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka.

First Light Racing paid $NZ35,000 for the colt, which will join the Luke Oliver stable to be prepared for his own Derby assault in the 2014/15 season.

“I expect to see a very impressive colt when he arrives at Caulfield in the spring” Oliver said. “I loved the way he paraded and while he’s got the frame he just needs a little bit of time to fill out – as all these New Zealand yearlings typically do”.

Postponed has sired 11 stakes winners, including Group 1 victors Dorabella (Postponed – Caserio, by Kaapstad) and Pasta Post (Postponed – Blue Heaven, by Centaine).